Select Local Merchants

Nestled on a land bridge sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Weir River, Barefoot Bob's Beach Grill channels the vibes radiating from Nantasket Beach across the street to surround patrons with tiki-bar style. In a bamboo-lined dining room, numerous high-definition televisions cast a glow on waiters toting seafood samplers, where broiled fresh haddock and scallops buddy up to shrimp before stealing its lunch money, as well as surf 'n' turf combos with Black Angus steak tips crowned by three jumbo stuffed shrimp. Thin-crust pizzas customized to please taste buds comprise a shareable lunch, whereas sandwiches and wraps, such as the north carolina pulled pork with jalapeño-jack cheese and cider-vinegar-infused barbecue sauce, convince hands to never let go. In warmer months, an outdoor patio offers ample opportunity for palm-shaded alfresco dining and tossing table scraps to hungry-looking lifeguards across the street.

Hitting some rough seas in your life? Take some time to unwind on one of the many lovely boats at Pemberton Bait and Tackle in Hull.
Sit down for a savory meal at their in-house restaurant.
Take the kids along too — this center is a great spot for families with activities that even little ones will love.
Parking is plentiful, so guests can feel free to bring their vehicles.

The perfect indoor activity, those interested in the arts will appreciate Hull's Hull Lifesaving Museum Maritime Program.
Make the trip to this museum even more savory with a visit to their fine restaurant.
This museum welcomes kids, too, so you can feel good about bringing the whole family.
Parking is plentiful, so guests can feel free to bring their vehicles.

Looking for a place to take the kids this weekend? Look no further than the action-packed rides and boundless fun of Fascination in Hull.
Parking is plentiful, so guests can feel free to bring their vehicles.

When you practice on the courts at Cohasset Tennis and Squash Club in Cohasset, you will become a stronger and better tennis player.
Parking is plentiful, so visitors can feel free to bring their vehicles.

Sea Dog Steak & Ale's menu catalogs hearty pub food and a deep well of beer. Every item on the menu pairs almost perfectly with one of the pub's 10 locally crafted brews served on tap, whether it's the milky Sea Dog Stout and the marinated grilled steak tips, the malty Winter Ale to wash down the chorizo-crusted haddock, or the crisp flavor of the Raspberry Wheat Ale as a palate cleanser after dinner. Sea Dog's chefs also grill 8-ounce filets mignons, which are as heavy as Willy Wonka minus his candy weight. The patties of seven specialty burgers blend ground beef, short rib, chuck, and brisket, all piled with toppings ranging from balsamic-marinated onions to root-beer barbecue sauce.
The alehouse's nightly crowd adds to the convivial ambiance of the pub by sharing drinks on its outdoor patio or in its rustic wood-paneled, chocolate- and almond-colored dining room. Frequent visitors can join the wine or mug clubs, which toss in benefits such as personalized mugs, T-shirts, and a spiritual connection with America's most famous beer drinker: Benjamin Franlin, the inventor of both mugs and T-shirts.

Groupon Guide

Whether you’re building strength during a workout at Harvard Stadium or gawking at preserved muscles at the Body Worlds exhibit, it’s a big week for the human physique. This week also brings Boston’s biggest music fest and a major cultural festival in Cambridge, plus a comic hypnotist whose show is currently featured in a Groupon deal. As always, you can check Groupon for more ideas for things to do in Boston.
Boston Calling
Downtown | September 5–7
The city’s highest profile music festival returns less than four months after its last installment, this time with an even bigger lineup: The National, Lorde, and Nas x The Roots headline each respective night, with Spoon, The Hold Steady, Neutral Milk Hotel, and a dozen others also performing. (City Hall Plaza; $75–$175; buy tickets here)
Cambridge Carnival International
Cambridge | Sunday, September 7
Billed as the largest festival in Cambridge, this celebration of Afro-Caribbean cultures includes everything from creole cuisine to calypso and salsa concerts. But the highlight is the grand costume parade, in which colorful masqueraders and musicians stroll past Central Square. (Kendall Square; free)
The November Project's Stadium Workout
Allston | Every Wednesday
Find it easier to stay motivated when you work out with other people? Then why not surround yourself with a stadium full of them? Of course, the stadium isn’t exactly “full”—you should have plenty of room to climb the concrete-block seats during one of four pre-designed workouts. (65 N. Harvard St.; free)
Comic Hypnotist Frank Santos, Jr.
Theater District | Friday, September 12
We’d tell you to be careful what you say around Frank Santos, Jr., but it wouldn’t help. His entire act consists of hypnotizing audiences into doing and saying things they normally wouldn’t, mostly of the R-rated variety. (Wilbur Theatre, 246 Tremont St.; $15.50 on GrouponLive; buy tickets here)
Body Worlds
Downtown | Through September 14
Time’s running out to catch the Faneuil Hall Marketplace hit, which displays authentic human bodies that have been preserved through a process called plastination. The bodies offer rare insight into the complexities of human anatomy, especially since they’re arranged in poses that show off different organs and muscle groups. (Quincy Market, 4 S. Market St.; $15.50–$22.50; buy tickets here)

This week’s lineup of activities will help you embrace your inner child. Play games in the park, build intricate Lego creations, and see a Shel Silverstein play. A donut party and dog-friendly city tour help round out the week. As always, check Groupon first for more things to do in Boston.
The Lawn on D Grand Opening
Fort Point | Saturday, August 16, noon to 11 p.m.
After four months of speedy construction, the “experimental” park next to the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center will make its debut with a full day of live music and games. A few highlights: a bocce ball court, an outdoor bar, and food trucks galore. (420 D St.; free)
Dog-Friendly Walking Tour of Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill | Saturday, August 16, 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Luxury pet hotel The Urban Hound joins forces with Boston by Foot for a walking tour designed for canines and their caretakers. As pups sniff out the oldest fire hydrants in Louisburg Square, owners check out the elegant, historic homes. The tour ends at a dog park where pup-friendly frozen yogurt awaits. (State House, 24 Beacon St.; $8–$12; buy tickets here)
Janky Donuts Pop-Up at Tavern Road
Waterfront | Tuesday, August 19, 6 p.m.– 10 p.m.
If you’re still miffed that this summer’s grand opening of Janky Donuts revealed that the shop is actually an art gallery, not a gourmet bakery, then you’re in luck. Tavern Road is teaming up with the !nd!v!duals art collective to make good on its promise of delicious donuts—with some beer and wine thrown in for good measure. ( 343 Congress St.; free with RSVP)
Adult Night at Legoland Discovery Center
Somerville | Wednesday, August 20, 7 p.m.– 9 p.m.
Mingle with fellow block builders during this 18-and-older event at the new Legoland Discovery Center in Assembly Row. The adventure-themed evening will center on Lego collections such as Indiana Jones, featuring contents, games, and prizes. (598 Assembly Row, Somerville; $22.50; buy tickets here)
SilverSpoons: An Evening of Shel Silverstein
Dedham | Wednesday, August 20– Saturday, August 23, 8:30 p.m.–10 p.m.
CoffeeSpoons Theatre, a small collective focused on staging plays in more casual settings, will be bringing long-overlooked works of Shel Silverstein to life at Paradise Cafe. Savor fresh sandwiches, pastries, wine, and beer as you take in three one-act comedies that show another side of everyone’s favorite children’s poet. ( 565 High St., Dedham; free)
Lawn on D photo via Sasaki Associates; Janky Donuts photo from Facebook; Legoland picture by Sarah McManus

This week’s lineup begins and ends with nostalgia, from a classic summer fair to a '90s-flashback cruise. In between, you can take in live outdoor theater, learn to line dance, and sample coffee-infused cocktails. Don’t forget to check Groupon first for more cool things to do in Boston.
The Bolton Fair
Lancaster | Saturday, August 9–Sunday, August 10
Although the 132-year-old event advertises itself as “an old-fashioned agricultural fair,” it certainly embraces modernity. Case in point: the larger-than-life monster trucks and local rock bands. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of classic carnival rides, adorable animals, and oxen pulls to satisfy traditionalists. (318 Seven Bridge Rd., Lancaster; $10; buy tickets here)
Shakespeare on the Common: Twelfth Night
Downtown | Sunday, August 10, 7 p.m.
Don’t miss the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s last performance of Twelfth Night, William Shakespeare’s merry comedy that centers on love, shipwrecks, and cross-dressing. (Parkman Bandstand in Boston Common; free)
Faneuil Hall Marketplace's Hoedown at the Hall
Financial District | Sunday, August 10, noon
Break out the cowboy boots and spurs for Sunday’s kid-friendly hoedown at Faneuil Hall. Attendees can play corn hole, learn to line dance, listen to live country music, or marvel at the whip tricks of Jack the Whipper. (4 S. Market St.; free)
SoonSpoon Caffeinated Cocktails Pop-Up
Seaport District | Tuesday, August 12, 6:30 p.m.
Who says cocktails make you sleepy? Audubon’s Tyler Wang joins forces with Josh Gerber and Hannah Epstein of 1369 Coffee House to shake up three caffeinated cocktails that bring out the vibrant, earthy flavors of various javas. (WeWork Fort Point, 51 Melcher St.; $30; buy tickets here)
Saved by the Boat 2014
Financial District | Friday, August 15, 8 p.m.
Social Boston Sports is bringing back big hair, scrunchies, and Hammer pants for a '90s-themed cruise. The all-night event begins with an optional karaoke pre-party at Hong Kong Boston (65 Chatham St.) and ends with an after party at Howl at the Moon (184 High St.). The cruise itself features a cash bar and a dance floor fueled by '90s hits. (Cruise departs from Rowes Wharf; $30; buy tickets here)
Bolton Fair image from Facebook; Shakespeare on the Common image from Madeleine Ball (Flickr)